Edward Cancilla

Obituary

Edward Cancilla

Edward Cancilla, owner of Ajax Boiler Inc., affectionately known as “Mr. C”, passed away peacefully the afternoon of February 8th. The past month, Ed had

health complications that advanced quickly

upon him. He was aware of his situation,

and spent meaningful time with his family.

He passed peacefully and painlessly, with

his wife, daughter, grandson and son-inlaw

at his side.

Ed is survived by his loving wife, Louise,

her daughter Leslie, son-in-law Dave,

grandchildren Cody and Chelsea, his

devoted daughter Jane, her husband Dan,

and grandson Byron. Ed also is survived

by daughters Susan, Jean, and Joan and their respective children Ned, Kerrilyn, Christopher and Michael.

Currently recognized for his 40+ years as owner, CEO of Ace Tank &

Heater / Ajax Boiler Inc, in Santa Ana, Ed was a remarkable man, touching

everyone who came into his life. Many of his employees have been with him

over 15 years, and are considered to be part of his extended family. He was

always interested in people – hearing what they did, and how they came to be

in their particular line of work. He loved discussions around business and

politics. During his recent stays in the hospital, he always asked his nurses

about their background, and what brought them into nursing.

Born in Portland Oregon August 14, 1921, Ed was raised during the

depression days by his parents, Irene and Dominic, and had an older brother,

Joe. Ed’s college education was interrupted from 1942-1946 when he fought

in the war for his country. Afterwards, he finished his education at Oregon

State University, earning double Bachelor of Science degrees in 1947 for

Mechanical Engineering and Aero-Nautical Engineering.

He joined Westinghouse (now Siemens), and spent a year in in-depth

factory training before transferring to Engineering Application Sales in

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He worked on large heavy electrical installations

such as turbines, generators and switches for power plants. In 1948 he

transferred to Los Angeles, and during his time there, he began graduate work

in Business Administration at UCLA. He spent 8 years with Westinghouse

before accepting the position of Marketing Director with American Electric.

Ed later joined the management consultant firm of Arthur D. Little, in

Cambridge Massachusetts. As an example of the magnitude of some of those

projects, one diversification study he did resulted in IT&T; acquiring General

Controls. When Little opened an office in Los Angeles, Ed was put in charge.

He continued his studies at UCLA, completing the Executive Program in

May of 1961.

Later, after a management change, Arthur D. Little began to close down

certain locations. The morning Ed was told his location was closing, he had

a new offer of employment by noon that same day – from Douglas Aircraft,

where he spent his next 5 years. There he headed a talent laden department

of as many as 35 men including Ph.D.’s, Business Administration Masters,

etc. He reported directly to the VP – GM of the Missile and Space Systems

Division, and his work directly influenced the daily operating activities of

approximately 7,000 engineers.

At the same time, he continued his studies, studying business, business

law, and property management. In 1967 he purchased Ace Tank & Heater

Company. In 1969 he was awarded Patent No. 3,612,004 for his cone-coil

Ace Water Heater, which is still in production today.

Shortly after purchasing Ace in 1967, Ed joined the National Laundry

Coin Association (NCLA), and spent two years serving on the board. Ed was

active in the Chamber of Commerce, enjoying politics and legislation, and

served two years as President.

In 1970, Ed was awarded the National Automatic Laundry and Cleaning

Council award for distinguished service for his service as President, and in

1972 the same group recognized Ed as Man of the Year for his efforts in

promoting business growth. In 1977, Ed expanded his business operations

by purchasing Buehler Tank & Welding, and soon after operated Ace Tank

& Heater as Ace Buehler Inc. In 1983, Ed purchased Ajax Boiler, located

in Gardena.

Ed continued his community work, and in 1984 was recognized for his

outstanding leadership and guidance during his term as President of the

Orange Chamber of Commerce. In 1986 he served on the Economic

Development Committee as General Chairman of the Orange 2000 project.

And in 1988 the Orange Chamber recognized Ed as Business Person of the

year.

In the 1990s, he merged the Ace and Ajax brands under the parent company

of Ajax Boiler Inc, where he continued to work daily until December 18,

2009. His daughter Jane has worked by his side for the last 15 years, and

will continue the Ajax operations. As evidenced by his accomplishments, Ed

was a tireless and giving man. He was a man of character and integrity who

will be deeply missed by his loved ones, his employees, and his customers. It

is only fitting that his Memorial Service will be held on Monday, February

15th, Presidents’ Day, at Pacific View Memorial Park in Newport Beach, CA.

Flowers can be sent to the services, or donations can be made in his name to

St. Joseph’s Hospital (714-771-8211), or Oregon State University, the Ed Cancilla Scholarship Fund (541-737-1469).